Quiñonez left home at 13 to play basketball. Now she's thriving at UConn

[BRS24]

Gift article - Wooooh. Some deep stuff in here.

Yes, she has fit in well with the top-ranked and undefeated Huskies, with another new program, in another new culture, in another new country. Quiñonez is the first UConn player from South America and the latest of many international recruits to join the program in recent years. Coach Geno Auriemma, who was born in Italy, is drawn to such people, in large part because they have had to come so far — literally and figuratively — to earn the opportunities and responsibilities they continue take so seriously upon joining the storied UConn program.​

 

[Sargassoc]

What a wonderful, honest story. Thanks for sharing!

 

[IndyMark]

Blanca is really talented, so glad that she is a Husky.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Gift article - Wooooh. Some deep stuff in here.

Yes, she has fit in well with the top-ranked and undefeated Huskies, with another new program, in another new culture, in another new country. Quiñonez is the first UConn player from South America and the latest of many international recruits to join the program in recent years. Coach Geno Auriemma, who was born in Italy, is drawn to such people, in large part because they have had to come so far — literally and figuratively — to earn the opportunities and responsibilities they continue take so seriously upon joining the storied UConn program.​

Excellent article, I read it earlier this morning when it was posted on CT Insider. I have been a big Blanca fan since I first learned about her and her journey. I often see posts about her turnovers, but she is incredibly skilled, mature, and knowledgeable in ways that most players who enter UCONN are not. She is intentional, confident, and plays like she belongs on this stage. The ball rarely gets stuck, whether on the perimeter or in the post, when she has it. Looking forward to watching her continue to develop.

 

[topogigio]

Wow, think about that; leaving home at 13 to go play basketball across the ocean in a country whose language you did not speak. Talk about overcoming obstacles, this kid is now one of my Husky Favs!

 

[BobbyJ]

Excellent article, I read it earlier this morning when it was posted on CT Insider. I have been a big Blanca fan since I first learned about her and her journey. I often see posts about her turnovers, but she is incredibly skilled, mature, and knowledgeable in ways that most players who enter UCONN are not. She is intentional, confident, and plays like she belongs on this stage. The ball rarely gets stuck, whether on the perimeter or in the post, when she has it. Looking forward to watching her continue to develop.

We both have the same opinion of her. She has unquestionable WNBA potential. I keep hoping that Auriemma can get her lined up with a BB skills trainer like Chris Brickley who can show/teach her how to use a high screen and maneuver into a pull up J. Once she has that skill set she'll very quickly develop into an AA level player.

 

[EricSD]

What a tremendous article, and how fun to learn about her family and upbringing. Her family has had some rough times, and given how women's hoops salaries are set to rise by a lot, her future as an elite athlete could help her and her family immeasurably. And she's just a great kid. So glad she's a Husky!!!

 

[ctfjr]

Thanks for posting

 

[victor64]

Her shoulder woes are a concern. She has missed approximately 9 games because of it. I am hoping that whatever the issue is will be taken care of in the off season. A full, healthy schedule of Blanca in 26-27 would be a huge plus for the team and a treat for the fans.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Very fine article. Now I have more to root for. Every time she's on the floor I'm thinking okay Q dazzle me! Frankly, just the way she moves down court dazzles me.

 

[oldude]

To borrow a line from Geno, “Blanca is the worst she’ll ever be right now.” 😎

 

[meyers7]

She's got a huge upside. If Geno can get her dialed in.....he's really gonna have something.

 

[Scud49]

Great article - she is so well grounded, so foucused, and talented.

Thank you Geno and staff for finding such a terrific person and basketball gem in far off Ecuador.